A solitary friend
The crow perched
Atop this roof
turning heada piercing caw
looking around
the window brings
a scenic view
atop the roof tops
then the black bird
looking for grub
a solitary friend
as tears spend
watch this bird
in repeated silence
as words hail
a bird without
any type of friend
- Miran Perera
*****
DISCIPLINE
Discipline is the means by which from childhood
One should behave well and cooperate for common good
Discipline ensures that all members of society
Could spend life very well with no anxiety
Every religion serves as a source of inspiration
In facts of life leading one to frank recognition
Top priority is attached to self-discipline and not self-pity
Sum total of which will be the interest of society
When upholding it at all times shows its real beauty
Considered by right thinking parents as bounded duty
Discipline and inculcation of moral values are the same
Plus adherence to a code of ethics keeps up the name
Discipline begins at home starting with infancy
When instilled carefully it becomes a fancy
This should be carefully put into mind from small days
This can only come about when instilled in every possible way
This is perfectly done when children are small
But run into difficulties when no response to their call
Unless this is carefully done they reach a stage
Where they wish to act freely with widened rage
To all parents a pleasant task will be discipline
If the kids are being brought up to respect discipline
Really and truly discipline implies moral excellence
This could be attributed mostly as the outcome of parental influence
School is the next place having the proud tradition
Regarding all round discipline making a great contribution
While playing a dominant role in imparting education
To promote discipline, it focuses its worthy attention
It is here they lay the solid foundation
To grow up as responsible citizens of the nation
The spirit of discipline is manifested in every activity
Curriculum etc broaden their horizons with creativity
Since these are the key to personal development
It is maintained at all costs with much commitment
Here the acts of indiscipline is viewed seriously
Any breach of discipline is dealt with effectively
All hasty acts are nipped in the bud
And before leaving alma mater they are well equipped
There are many meanings to this word
Demanded by the structure of the modern world
The above notion is only one aspect
Where humanity will not fail to respect
- Rupa Banduwardena
*****
More is never better
More is never better
Today, you nurse a serious injury
Because you tried too hard
Don’t be mad or angry at me
Neither get disheartened and give up
Take time to recover and revive
To recuperate and to recharge
You are born to do something
Great and awesome with your life
To reach your fullest potential
To do your best and set new records
Work hard but always take time to rest
Rest is the best investment
You can pamper yourself with!
-Timothy A. Edward
*****
Are you happy now?
Dear sun, the moon, the stars;
I am sorry; I couldn’t see your faces
For, well over three years!
The birds, butterflies, teddy bear
Nor could I have a glance at you.
For, I was living in a world:
The world of expectation of adults,
Working hard for their victory
Of course, I helped them win the race
But, the sun, the moon, the stars....
Still my eyes can’t see you all
For, you all have been covered
By the layer of Grade Five scholarship
Model papers and past papers
While parents and teachers celebrating
Over the victory of my paralysis!
- A. Jayalath Basnagoda
*****
An elephant’s plea
I send this message to all mankind
Steer away from acts that are unkind
Robbing our off-spring for monetary gain,
and leaving us to grieve in pain.
We attract big money but bear in mind.
Our freedom is lost and food is hard to find.
Our lives are in peril from trains and other mishaps,
and we elephants cannot escape from this money spinning trap!
Poaching is rampant again we pay the price
the jungle echo with the animals’ cries
Forests are cleared up-we have no place to go.
The conflict is man-made isn’t that so?
These wicked deeds are committed without much thought.
With death this materialistic life-style has to halt.
Wrong doers are punished all Religions decree.
So beware when you act against your beliefs.
- Jessica Thompson
*****
Love immortalized
Love immortalized
Nowadays, I wake up
Habitually at dawn
Listening spellbound
To chirpy sounds of birds
Softly nudging me, to
Temporarily halt
My perennial habit of flipping
Through pages of my long life
Admittedly, life being a kind
Of celebration, winning hearts
Of beloved souls, naturally
Took center stage as I
Serenaded an immortal love
Song dazzled by your ravishing
Beauty, though fond memories
Fade taking its toll with
Incessant flux of time
Carrying the heavy load of
Nostalgic memories, I bear
Stoically with heart-felt pleasure
Rather than excruciating pain.
- Ranjan M. Amarasinghe